Different injuries

Researchers found cats and dogs involved in motor vehicle accidents
presented with different types of injury to those exposed to
non-accidental blunt force trauma.

Abused animals generally have more head injuries, tooth and rib
fractures, and claw damage, whereas those involved in motor accidents
tend to suffer from skin abrasions or injuries where the skin has been
torn from tissue, bruising, lung collapse and hind end injury – possibly
the result of running away from moving vehicles.

As a result, motor vehicle accidents are often cited as the cause of
injury when they are really due to animal abuse, the study indicated.
Victims of non-accidental injury are also more likely to have older
fractures in addition to newer injuries – a pattern often seen in cases
of human abuse.

Suspicion

Robert Reisman, of the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Group and who co-authored
the study, hoped the findings would be a valuable tool for all parties
involved.

“This study contributes to the expanding body of research in the
growing field of veterinary forensic medicine and will help forensic
vets continue to give a voice to the voiceless,” he said.

Read the full story – including reaction to the research from the Links Group and the RVC – in the 20 February issue of Veterinary Times.